Abstract: An accessible and usable mobile device application is provided herein that integrates with a technology network designed to increase an ability to orient, locate and travel within indoor and outdoor physical environments independently, safely, and securely for people with sensory disabilities and the aging population who have visual, hearing, mobility, and/or cognitive disabilities.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system includes a physiological sensor to sense light after it has passed through tissue of a patient and generate a signal indicative a physiological parameters in response to the sensed light, and a patient monitoring device in communication with the physiological sensor to receive the signal and determine measurements of the physiological parameters from the received signal. The patient monitoring device includes a processor and memory having multiple system images. The patient monitoring device downloads an image upgrade to one system image that the not latest used or tested system image. The patient monitoring device boots the processor from the system image that includes the image upgrade. If the upgraded system image fails, the patient monitoring device boots the processor from another system image of the multiple system images. The patient monitoring device repairs the failed system image.

Abstract: A system and method for transmission of a signal for a powered assistive device has a sensor node with a wireless transmitter adapted for digitally transmitting a transmitted signal, the sensor node adapted for receiving and monitoring a sensor signal from a sensor attached to a user, and a master node with a controller and a wireless receiver for receiving the transmitted signal from the wireless transmitter. The master node processes the transmitted signal and communicates a control signal to the powered assistive device. The wireless transmitter transmits the transmitted signal at a first rate when the wireless transmitter adapted to transmit the transmitted signal at a first rate when the sensor signal is indicative of the rest state and to transmit the transmitted signal at a second rate when the sensor signal is indicative of the active state, the second rate being greater than the first rate.

Abstract: A method of activating a vehicle function is provided. The method includes detecting a force exerted onto a bed step of a vehicle using a pressure sensor. A controller detects whether the amount of force exerted onto the bed step is greater than a force threshold. When the force exertion force exceeds the force threshold, one of a plurality of pressure patterns is detected. One of a plurality of vehicle functions is then activated based on the detected pressure pattern.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically opening the tailgate of a vehicle without any interaction with a smartkey or the vehicle itself are provided. The tailgate can be opened automatically by utilizing location data of the vehicle and remote key or smartkey proximity to the vehicle, in tandem with location data and mobile payment information of a user's mobile device. Instead of having to manually open the tailgate, place a foot under the tailgate, press a button on a remote key fob, or press a trunk-release button on the tailgate or key fob, the tailgate can automatically open as the user approaches the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for generating an image using a brain wave signal. The method of generating an image using brain wave signals includes collecting brain wave signals of at least one passenger in a mobility from a plurality of channels for a predetermined time, generating a first image of a service point from the brain wave signals collected from the plurality of channels using an artificial intelligence model, determining whether the generated first image is similar to a preset second image, and controlling the mobility based on a result of the determination.

Abstract: A plurality of individually addressable electrodes is supported by a housing. The individually addressable electrodes are for at least one of applying stimulation electrical signals to skin of a user and detecting biometric electrical signals from the skin of the user. At least one of a signal detector is provided for detecting the biometric electrical signals and a signal generator is provided for generating the stimulation electrical signals. An electrode multiplex circuit is provided for addressing the plurality of individually addressable electrodes by at least one of routing the biometric electrical signals from the skin of the user through more than one of the plurality of individually addressable electrodes to the signal detector and routing the stimulation electrical signals from the signal generator through more than one of the plurality of individually addressable electrode to the skin of the user.

Abstract: A system includes an electronic display to display a virtual keyboard and a processor communicatively coupled to the electronic display. In some embodiments, the virtual keyboard includes a plurality of keys. In certain embodiments, the electronic display receives a first string of erased characters and a second string of replacement characters. In certain embodiments, the processor compares the first string and the second string to determine a difference at corresponding character locations of the first string and the second string. In some embodiments, the processor increments a counter based on the comparison, the counter corresponding to a first character of the first string and a second character of the second string. In certain embodiments, the processor adjusts at least one of the plurality of keys of the virtual keyboard in response to the counter meeting a threshold.

Abstract: System and method for aiding communication for subjects suffering from paralysis of muscles controlled by peripheral nervous system are disclosed. A method for aiding communication for said subjects includes capturing, from a plurality of sensors, sensor data generated based on an interaction of a subject with an interactive UI. The plurality of sensors includes one or more body-parts movement tracking sensors for tracking motion of body-parts of the subject and one or more physiological signal sensors for monitoring physiological signals generated from the subject during the interaction. A plurality of model parameters indicative of characteristics of the subject related to the interaction are determined based on the sensor data. The navigation at the interactive UI is controlled on the plurality of model parameters.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring an immersive system include detecting a first event that occurs in an environment of a user of the immersive system that is external to an immersive headset of the immersive system while the user is operating the immersive system, initiating monitoring of the environment of the user of the immersive system responsive to detecting the first event, detecting a second event that occurs in the environment of the user of the immersive system that is external to the immersive headset while monitoring the environment of the user of the immersive system, and, responsive to determining that the second event matches a defined pattern, providing an indication to the user of the immersive system so that the user is alerted.

Abstract: A system for detecting and discriminating the severity of a fall includes a mobile device configured to communicate a network, a notification module, and a wearable device configured to communicate with the mobile device, the wearable device including a fall monitor and an activity log resident on the wearable device, where the fall monitor is configured to record detected movement on the activity log. The notification module is configured to effect a selectable setting of a rate of communication between the mobile device and the wearable device based on at least part of a predetermined pattern of a fall discriminator within the activity log, where the selectable setting defines a predetermined period of communication between the mobile device and the wearable device. The fall discriminator is configured to determine when the activity log includes a notable fall event based on the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to facilitate navigating through a video. An example method includes determining one or more scene boundaries of scenes of a video before completing loading content of the video, and identifying the scene-boundaries in a user interface, the user interface presenting a seekbar with a scrubber representing a currently-played location in the video and one or more boundary markers visually representing the scene boundaries. The method further includes receiving a request to move the pointing-indicator in the user interface, calculating a distance between the pointing-indicator and a particular boundary marker visually representing a scene-boundary of the scene boundaries, determining whether the distance between the pointing-indicator and the particular boundary marker is less than a threshold radius associated with the scene-boundary, and responsive to the determining, snapping the pointing-indicator to the particular boundary marker.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for generating a webpage based on a physical mockup of the webpage. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method is presented. The method may include accessing an image of a physical mockup of a webpage, the physical mockup of the webpage including one or more physical objects representative of one or more virtual objects in the webpage. The method may also include converting the image into the webpage, based on the physical mockup of the webpage, the webpage including the one or more virtual objects arranged in a layout corresponding to positions of the one or more physical objects in the physical mockup; and applying user-interactive functionality to the one or more virtual objects in the webpage, based on one or more visual indicators on the one or more physical objects identifiable in the image.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method for reporting lost items includes presenting a lost item reporting link associated with an entity having a plurality of different physical establishment locations; receiving a user selection of the lost item reporting link; presenting at a website, in response to the user selection of the lost item reporting link, a graphical user interface configured to solicit lost item recovery information, the website being associated with the entity having the plurality of different physical establishments; receiving the lost item recovery information via the graphical user interface; and transmitting the lost item recovery information to a third party online lost and found system.

Abstract: A system for detecting and discriminating the severity of a fall includes a mobile device configured to communicate a network, a notification module, and a wearable device configured to communicate with the mobile device, the wearable device including a fall monitor and an activity log resident on the wearable device, where the fall monitor is configured to record detected movement on the activity log. The notification module is configured to effect a selectable setting of a rate of communication between the mobile device and the wearable device based on at least part of a predetermined pattern of a fall discriminator within the activity log, where the selectable setting defines a predetermined period of communication between the mobile device and the wearable device. The fall discriminator is configured to determine when the activity log includes a notable fall event based on the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: Information is presented on a map that resembles a city map, with related information grouped into distinct “neighborhoods.” Such a display scheme takes advantage of spatial cognition in order to provide an organizational and presentational scheme by which users can more easily remember where to look for and find the right information. Metadata, notifications, and/or other auxiliary information can be presented alongside or superimposed upon the data itself.

Abstract: A system for dynamically adjusting content for an interaction impairment can include a data provider, an end-user electronic device, a user identification module, and a data adjustment module. The data provider can be capable of providing access to electronic data. One or more characteristics of the electronic data can be incompatible with an impairment of an impaired user. The end-user electronic device can be configured to allow the impaired user to interact with electronic data. The user identification module can be configured to identify an identity of the impaired user and/or the impairment of the impaired user. The data adjustment module can be configured to automatically adjust incompatible characteristics of the electronic data prior to presentation by the end-user electronic device. This adjustment can increase the ability of the impaired user to utilize the electronic data with the end-user electronic device.

Abstract: A system for dynamically adjusting content for an interaction impairment can include a data provider, an end-user electronic device, a user identification module, and a data adjustment module. The data provider can be capable of providing access to electronic data. One or more characteristics of the electronic data can be incompatible with an impairment of an impaired user. The end-user electronic device can be configured to allow the impaired user to interact with electronic data. The user identification module can be configured to identify an identity of the impaired user and/or the impairment of the impaired user. The data adjustment module can be configured to automatically adjust incompatible characteristics of the electronic data prior to presentation by the end-user electronic device. This adjustment can increase the ability of the impaired user to utilize the electronic data with the end-user electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method that enables individual travelers, including pedestrians or individuals on smaller conveyances, to communicate their location and direction of travel to signal light controllers at an intersection, enables traffic networks to receive this communication and output the detected data to the corresponding intersection traffic-signal controller to allow for individuals not in standard motor vehicles to be detected by traffic detection systems and to allow for priority of traveler flow either independent of vehicle use, or based on specifics of the vehicle used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for inputting text into an electronic device (10). The method includes selecting a first set of candidate words stored in a database. At least one of the first set of candidate words is then displayed on a screen (20) for selection by a user. The user generates a continuous input pattern (420; 540) and the method identifies one or more candidate words disposed along or proximal to the continuous input pattern (420; 540). The one or more identified candidate words are then input into a text entry field (430). The method includes refreshing the displayed candidate words when the continuous input pattern (420; 540) traces a predefined refresh gesture or enters/exits a predefined region (545). The present invention also relates to a computing device programmed to perform the method described herein.

Abstract: One variation of a method for influencing entities proximal a road surface includes, at an autonomous vehicle: over a first period of time, detecting a pedestrian proximal a road surface; predicting an initial path of the pedestrian an initial confidence score for the initial path of the pedestrian based on and motion of the pedestrian during the first period of time; in response to the initial confidence score falling below a threshold confidence, replaying an audio track audible to the pedestrian and calculating a revised path of the pedestrian and a revised confidence score for the revised path based on motion of the pedestrian following replay of the audio track; and autonomously navigating across the road surface according to a planned route in response to the revised path of the pedestrian falling outside of the planned route and the revised confidence score exceeding the threshold confidence.

Abstract: A route guidance method and system using smart signages is disclosed. The route guidance method may include obtaining user information of a user or an object from a first smart signage detecting an access of the user, searching a database for route information about a route to a stored destination corresponding to the user information, identifying a second smart signage being separate from the first smart signage by a distance in a direction of the destination among a plurality of smart signages being on the route of the route information, and extracting, from the route information, a partial route from the first smart signage to the second smart signage and providing the extracted partial route to the first smart signage.

Abstract: A system for detecting and discriminating the severity of a fall includes a mobile device configured to communicate a network, a notification module, and a wearable device configured to communicate with the mobile device, the wearable device including a fall monitor and an activity log resident on the wearable device, where the fall monitor is configured to record detected movement on the activity log. The notification module is configured to effect a selectable setting of a rate of communication between the mobile device and the wearable device based on at least part of a predetermined pattern of a fall discriminator within the activity log, where the selectable setting defines a predetermined period of communication between the mobile device and the wearable device. The fall discriminator is configured to determine when the activity log includes a notable fall event based on the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: Voice control is extended outside of an automotive vehicle by an access system associated with a door and window. An accelerometer is mounted on the window to generate a vibration signal. A passive entry system generates an unlock standby signal when an authorized user carrying a wireless fob is detected proximate the door. A voice recognizer in the vehicle is activated by the standby signal to scan the vibration signal for a spoken command for opening the door. A door actuator is activated by the voice recognizer when the command is detected.

Abstract: Techniques are described related to improved intercom-style communication using a plurality of computing devices distributed about an environment. In various implementations, voice input may be received, e.g., at a microphone of a first computing device of multiple computing devices, from a first user. The voice input may be analyzed and, based on the analyzing, it may be determined that the first user intends to convey a message to a second user. A location of the second user relative to the multiple computing devices may be determined, so that, based on the location of the second user, a second computing device may be selected from the multiple computing devices that is capable of providing audio or visual output that is perceptible to the second user. The second computing device may then be operated to provide audio or visual output that conveys the message to the second user.

Abstract: An integrated pedestrian access system comprising of wireless push buttons adapted to transmit and receive wireless signals and receivers connected to pedestrian crosswalk signal systems, wherein said one or more receivers are configured to communicate with the wireless push buttons through wireless signals, communicate among the receivers, determine whether source device from which a request for registering a pedestrian signal is received through the said communication is the wireless push button or the receivers, determine status of pedestrian signal based on signals received from the pedestrian signal system, register request for pedestrian crosswalk signal if walk signal of the pedestrian signal is not on in the desired direction as per the status of pedestrian signal and provide acknowledgement corresponding to the status of pedestrian signal through the said source device.

Abstract: A tool for a crossing aid on a mobile device. The tool determines, by a first computer processor, a unique ID associated with a crossing signal. The tool searches, by the first computer processor, for a wireless access point (WAP) having the unique ID. The tool determines, by the first computer processor, whether the WAP having the unique ID is found. Responsive to determining that the WAP having the unique ID is found, the tool determines, by the first computer processor, haptic feedback. The tool initiates, by the first computer processor, the haptic feedback on the mobile device to aid in crossing.

Abstract: A communication device for a vehicle is described, having a recording apparatus for recording the surroundings of the vehicle and a signaling apparatus. Also included is a controller for controlling the signaling apparatus as a function of the recorded surroundings. The signaling apparatus sends a recording signal formed corresponding to the recorded surroundings, to the surroundings. Also described is a corresponding communication method, a corresponding computer program, a corresponding vehicle, and a corresponding communication system.

Abstract: A medical monitoring device may include a gesture control sensor for detecting gesture commands from users. The medical monitoring device may enable gesture control when it receives an identifier from a tag and the identifier is authenticated. The tag may include an RFID tag and/or a barcode. The identifier may be authenticated locally and/or by a remote device communicatively coupled to the medical monitoring device (e.g., over a network). Once gesture control is enabled, gestures by the user may be identified by the medical monitoring device, an action corresponding to the gesture may be determined, and the action may be performed. The gesture control sensor may be disabled manually or automatically when predetermined criteria are satisfied to prevent the gesture control sensor from receiving inadvertent commands.

Abstract: A tool for a crossing aid on a mobile device. The tool determines, by a first computer processor, a unique ID associated with a crossing signal. The tool searches, by the first computer processor, for a wireless access point (WAP) having the unique ID. The tool determines, by the first computer processor, whether the WAP having the unique ID is found. Responsive to determining that the WAP having the unique ID is found, the tool determines, by the first computer processor, haptic feedback. The tool initiates, by the first computer processor, the haptic feedback on the mobile device to aid in crossing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for enabling user interaction with content markers of a content item. Content markers can generally correspond to any point of interest in the content item. In one embodiment, a scrub bar is provided enabling user navigation to locations within the content item. As a user utilizes the scrub bar to select a location corresponding to a content marker, a haptic notification is provided to the user indicative of a corresponding point of interest. Thereafter, the user may halt interaction with the scrub bar to being playback of the content item at the point of interest. In another embodiment, a user is enabled to provide input perpendicular to a displayed scrub bar to alternate between multiple available scrub bars and/or points of interest. For example, multiple scrub bars may be provided, each associated with a given type of point of interest.

Abstract: A method for wireless destination entry in an elevator dispatching system, the elevator dispatching system including a wireless transmitter/receiver (T/R) includes receiving a request to join a network of the T/R from a wireless device; pushing a web page from the T/R to the wireless device; receiving a service request by the T/R from the wireless device via the web page; communicating the service request from the T/R to a group controller; and dispatching an elevator car by the group controller to service the service request is provided. An elevator dispatching system and a computer program product including a computer readable storage medium contain computer code that, when executed by a computer, implements a method for wireless destination entry in an elevator dispatching system, the elevator dispatching system including a wireless transmitter/receiver, are also provided.

Abstract: The method relates to a method and a device for controlling a Braille display having a read area suitable for displaying a portion of a text in Braille form, said read area comprising a row of Braille cells. The control device comprises: emitters, each suitable for emitting a light beam in register with a respective Braille cell; receivers, each suitable for receiving a light beam reflected by at least one finger of a user when said finger is situated on a Braille cell; and a calculation unit suitable for determining the position or the succession positions of a user's finger relative to the read area as a function of the detected light beams, the calculation unit being suitable for triggering commands for navigation in the text as a function of the determined positions.

Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus includes a speaker and a disconnection determination section. The speaker generates a notification sound to outside a vehicle when a driving condition to notify of presence of the vehicle is satisfied. The disconnection determination section determines a disconnection state of the speaker based on an electromotive force generated by the speaker at a time when a vehicle horn mounted in the vehicle is activated.

Abstract: Apparatus for orientating a user in a space wherein the space comprises a plurality of zones of which only certain zones constitute functional zones wherein each functional zone includes a first type device containing information relating to the position of the zone in the space and wherein the first type device is reactive to the presence of a second type device associated with the user to provide the user with the information to determine the orientation of the user in the space. A method of orientating the user within the space and guiding the user toward one or more features in the space is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating emergency alerts to a hearing-impaired user are disclosed. Queries are performed to one or more emergency alert databases to develop emergency alert notifications. At least some of the emergency alert notifications are filtered responsive to user selected criteria to select one or more filtered emergency alerts. An attention desired indicator is transmitted to a hearing-impaired user device that subscribes to a hearing-impaired relay service supported by the server if the one or more filtered emergency alerts are present. The filtered emergency alerts are transmitted to the hearing-impaired user device in response to a emergency information query from that user device.

Abstract: Cognitive orthotics. More specifically, assistive ambulation systems and methods, including systems that can detect a person who uses an assistive ambulation device (such as a walker) and produce a signal in response to the detection, which signal is designed to encourage or motivate the person to use the device. They system may also stop the signal when the person engages the device and/or produce an additional signal or a different signal when the person engages the device.

Abstract: Haptic output devices and related systems and methods are described in the present disclosure. In various implementations, a haptic output device includes a reservoir filled with a liquid. At least one side of the reservoir includes a flexible membrane. The haptic output device also includes a first actuator in physical contact with the reservoir and configured to impart pressure waves to the liquid. The pressure waves interact with the flexible membrane to supply a haptic effect to a user.

Abstract: A listening system that eases the acknowledgement of ‘alarm signals’, as e.g. issued by alarm indicators, in the environment of a user in difficult listening situations. The listening system is adapted to issue specific ALARM mode signals to the user corresponding to said external alarm signals, when said listening system is in an ALARM mode. An advantage of the present system is that a user is able to take notice of alarms from normal indicators even in case of a hearing impairment and/or when located in a noisy environment. The system may e.g. be used for the hearing instruments, ear protection devices, earphones, headsets or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A tactile visual indicator and methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for controlling a tactile visual indicator are provided. Embodiments include a light source; an electromagnetically inductive wound coil; and a light pipe coupled to a ferromagnetic-metal jacket surrounding the outside of the light pipe. The ferromagnetic-metal jacket is within the wound coil and one end of the light pipe is provided to the light source. The light pipe and the ferromagnetic-metal jacket are configured to move within the wound coil in response to the coil receiving power. Light shining through the light pipe from the light source provides a visual indication of a status and the movement of the light pipe and jacket within the wound coil provides a tactile indication of the status via contact with a user.

Abstract: The change of the status of a traffic light at a crosswalk is controlled based on an impaired individual's location with respect to the crosswalk. An appropriate alert indicating the status of the traffic light is determined based at least on the location of the impaired individual. The type of impairment may also be used in determining the appropriate alert. The appropriate alert is generated to inform the impaired individual of the status of the traffic light.

Abstract: An apparatus interposed between a healthcare pillow speaker and an internally-unmodified commodity television where said apparatus powers the pillow speaker, enables the pillow speaker to control the television and drives the pillow speaker with said television audio content. The apparatus is designed to attain applicable healthcare safety approvals. The apparatus is designed to be compatible with standard healthcare equipment and to be placed within new and existing installations. The apparatus can selectively shut off the audio drivers to reduce noise. The apparatus generates its own audio content for the pillow speaker. The apparatus can enable, disable, set access timers, track and report on user access and equipment operational. The apparatus can internally configure limits and alternatives in how the television equipment will be controlled.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide haptic feedback are disclosed. One example method includes receiving a goal condition at a mobile device, requesting information from a host device using a first close-proximity communication, receiving the information at a mobile device using a second close-proximity communication, determining a level of haptic feedback based on the received information and the goal condition, and causing a haptic effect on the mobile device based on the level of haptic feedback. Other implementations are possible.

Abstract: In one example, information is presented to a user in a non-visual manner. In this example, a list of visually representable items defined by a beginning and at least one of dimension of time and space is accessed. Each of the visually representable items within the dimension is placed in one of a plurality of non-visual sensory categories. A non-visual sensory preview is rendered, in sequence for each item in the list, from the plurality of non-visual sensory categories.

Abstract: A method and device for guiding a blind or visually impaired person are provided herein.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for an agricultural field irrigation system that has a control panel including at least depressible operating switches for controlling the operation of the system includes a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver and an actuator. The wireless transmitter is configured to selectively encode and transmit an encoded signal, and the wireless receiver is configured to receive and decode the encoded signal, and provide an output signal to activate the actuator. The actuator is operatively connected to the wireless receiver, and is configured to be removably secured to the control panel. The actuator activates at least one of the system operating switches in response to receipt of the output signal from the receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device and/or PO system communication. PO devices of the present invention may employ common communications and/or communications/control modules that allow for wireless communication between PO devices and other devices, such as remote controls and data transfer devices. The present invention also provides for a methodology of determinant and non-interfering simultaneous communication between multiple PO devices of a PO system.

Abstract: A touch screen overlay includes a flexible, substantially planar portion having length and width dimensions corresponding to a touch screen of an electronics appliance, one or more features for aligning the substantially planar portion with the touch screen, and a pattern of raised features and/or openings, providing facility for a person to interact with individual features or openings by touch rather than be sight.

Abstract: A method of informing a user of an identity of an input of a remote control device is presented. In the method, user activation of one of the inputs of the remote control device is detected. An audible signal associated with the activated input is determined. Each of the inputs of the remote control device is associated with a unique one of a plurality of audible signals. The audible signal associated with the activated input is produced to inform the user of the identity of that input.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile device including: an audio output unit; an audio source unit which provides music information to the audio output unit; an adjustment unit which adjusts the audio volume of the audio output unit; an announcement information generation unit which provides announcement information to the audio output unit; and a control unit which forcibly selects a predetermined audio volume regardless of the adjustment made by the adjustment unit when announcing information by the announcement information generation unit from the audio output unit.